Automated appendage cleaning apparatus with brush

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for providing automated washing for debris removal from the skin of a user&#39;s hands. At least some embodiments of the present include a friction enhancing structure such as a brush. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an RFID capability for identifying when at least one component, such as a removable brush, is due to for replacement for sanitation reasons.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/689,582, filed Mar. 22, 2007, entitled “Automated AppendageCleaning Apparatus With Brush,” which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/617,177, filed Dec.28, 2006, entitled “Automated Washing System with ComplianceVerification” that claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/863,753 filed on Oct. 31, 2006. The entire content ofthe above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD

The present invention relates to automated washing systems, and moreparticularly, to automated washing systems comprising a novel way ofremoving debris from hand surfaces and/or fingernails with variousbrushes, nozzles, and disinfectant solutions.

BACKGROUND

The importance of cleanliness has long been recognized, particularly inthe fields of heath-care, food preparation, and laboratories, to namebut a few. The practice of surgical scrubbing by surgeons and otheroperating room personnel is probably the epitome of efforts to cleansethe hands and forearms of persons working in sterile environments.Although manual hand-washing can appear effective, medical experts haveconcluded that automated hand-washing increases hand-washing complianceand reduces the risk of infection.

Touchless automated hand-washing devices are designed to wash the handsof the user and provide the proper amount of antimicrobial solution in aset time. Additionally, these systems diminish the deterrent effects offriction and irritation associated with frequent manual hand-washing.Notwithstanding the benefits and convenience of automated washingdevices, difficulties still exist with removing highly persistent handcontaminants. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a systemthat provides automated washing with a way of providing removal ofpersistent contaminants on difficult to clean areas of the hands by theintended users.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, various brush,cylinder, and nozzle designs, in conjunction with disinfectantsolutions, are disclosed for use in connection with an automatedhand-washing station. The system has the capability to ensure thathighly soiled areas of the hand can be quickly and effectively cleanedin minimal time within the hand washing system.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, the userutilizes the debris removal hand washing cylinders which have variousbrushes, high energy spray nozzles, and special disinfecting solutionsincorporated in order to obtain extra mechanical interaction with theuser's hands in a controlled manner to remove material from the user'shands.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a cleaningstation includes one or more cylinders for receiving at least a portionof an appendage of a person. In at least one embodiment, a cleaningstation includes a plurality of cylinders that are configured forreceiving the person's hands, and may be sized to receive at least aportion of the person's arm, such as a portion of the person's forearm.The cylinders include at least one, and more preferably, a plurality ofspray nozzles for delivering water and/or a cleaning fluid ordisinfectant to a person's hands. The cleaning stations of the presentinvention may include non-rotating cylinders, or more preferably, thecylinders rotate during operation, thereby projecting water and/orcleaning fluids around the entire hand during the cleaning cycle.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the cylindersalso include one or more friction enhancing structures, such as brushesor pads for contacting at least a portion of the person's appendage,such as the person's hands and/or fingers. In at least one embodiment ofthe present invention, an end brush is located at a distal end of thecylinder. The end brush is interconnected to the interior distal end ofthe cylinder. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, acircumferential brush is located around an interior circumference of thecylinder. When the cylinder rotates during a cleaning cycle, the endbrush and/or circumferential brush also rotates, thereby allowing theperson to position their hand within the cylinder for contacting the endbrush.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, onemore nozzles are located within a brush. It is to be understood thatcombining a nozzle with a brush is applicable to all of the brushesdescribed herein, including but not limited to end brush andcircumferential brush.

The cleaning stations may or may not be operable to record and reportdata related to user/employee compliance with such requirements.

In use, a person approaches the cleaning station and places a hand in acylinder. As the cleaning cycle starts, the cylinder begins to rotateand spray water and/or one or more cleaning fluids toward the person'shand. During the cleaning cycle, the person can advance their fingers tocontact a brush. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, contactingone's fingers with a brush can assist with removal of debris and/orcontaminants to assist with cleaning the person's fingers and hands.

Various embodiments of the present invention are set forth in theattached figures and in the detailed description of the invention asprovided herein and as embodied by the claims. It should be understood,however, that this Summary does not contain all of the aspects andembodiments of the present invention, is not meant to be limiting orrestrictive in any manner, and that the invention as disclosed herein isand will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art toencompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become readilyapparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken togetherwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning station in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a user at a cleaning station;

FIG. 3A is a partial side elevation view with cut-away portions of acylinder and brush in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of a cylinder having a channel for acircumferential brush;

FIG. 3C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the channel shown in FIG.3B;

FIG. 3D is a detailed cross-sectional view of another embodiment of amechanism for holding a circumferential brush;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view down a cylinder having a circumferentialbrush located therein;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a circumferential brush in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a strip of brush prior to bendinginto a circumferential shape;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the brush shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the brush of FIG. 4 being inserted intoa cylinder;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a circumferential brush within acylinder;

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation view with cut-away portions of acylinder and brush in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the brush shown in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12-14 are cross-section views of several end brushes in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a non-rotating cylinder with a rotating brushlocated in the cylinder, and a user's hand shown interacting with thebrush;

FIG. 16A is a partial cut-away perspective view of a cylinder having acircumferential brush located therein, and a user's fingertips showninteracting with the brush;

FIG. 16B is a detail view of a nozzle cooperating with a brush inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a cylinder having anend brush located therein, and a user's fingertips shown interactingwith the brush;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a nozzle having a brush component;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a dual action nozzle;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cleaning station having a thirddedicated debris removal cylinder for a user's fingertips;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the debris removal cylinder shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a cleaning station having third andfourth dedicated debris removal cylinders for a user's fingertips;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of components that may be included inverification related embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a cleaning station operations monitor inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an exemplary cleaning station-use record in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an exemplary brush replacement record in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an administration computer in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary compliance report in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a flow chart depicting aspects of a method of monitoringhand-washing compliance in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a system and method for providingautomated washing of an appendage of a person. In addition, it is to beunderstood that embodiments of the present application are alsoapplicable to other types of washing systems, including for example,boot-washing systems. In accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, cleaning effectiveness can be improved from that oftraditional sink and faucet systems by using an automated cleaningstation with one or more debris removal features. Various embodiments ofthe present invention are described in the following text and in thedrawings; however, it is to be understood that examples described hereinare not meant to be limiting. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention includes modifications and alternatives to the exampleembodiments described in text and shown in the figures associatedherewith.

Cleaning stations operate to dispense one or more fluids, such as water,a cleaning fluid, such as soap, and/or a disinfectant, etc., while aperson's hands are placed in a washbasin. As used herein, a “washbasin”means a structure associated with the cleaning station where anappendage, such as a hand (or foot/boot) are cleaned, such as one ormore wash cylinders, spray areas, pans, tubs, etc. Individuals, such asemployees of a laboratory, food service related industry, or health carefacility, may be instructed to wash their hands for a minimum amount oftime that has been determined to be sufficient to provide a completecleaning. In situations where hand (or boot) washing is required, orbecause of personal preferences, the user may be required to use (orotherwise desire to use) an automated cleaning station that incorporatesone or more debris removal features.

Embodiments of the present invention include a standard automatedcleaning station that is retrofitted with a debris removal feature, suchas a brush, or a cylinder that accepts one or more different types ofbrushes. In addition, embodiments of the present invention includeautomated cleaning stations that if the user requires further debrisremoval than the standard station allows for, they may use a “debrisremoval station” or a unit that allows for both the regular washing anddebris removal within the same unit.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an automatic cleaning station 100 is depicted.The cleaning station 100 includes a body 104 and a pair of washbasins,and more preferably, cylinders 108 residing within the body 104 forreceiving an appendage of the user. Embodiments of the present inventioninclude at least one washbasin that comprises a cylinder 108 thatrotates around a user's hand to clean the user's hand. Cleaning isperformed by the application of fluids to the hands, wherein the fluidsinclude water, a cleaning agent (such as soap), and/or a disinfectant,such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). The fluids are directed towardthe user's hands through a series of nozzles, wherein the nozzlesprovide coverage of cleaning fluids to the user's hand to clean andrinse the user's hand.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a user 204 is shown adjacent a cleaning station100. The user 204 may be an employee or visitor of a facility who isrequired to wash their hands because of the nature of their work or thenature of the facility. The user 204 is advancing his hand H into thecylinder 108. The cleaning station 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a motor208 and associated tubing 212 to rotate the cylinder 108 around the handH of user 204. Nozzles (not shown) direct fluids toward the hand H ofthe user 204. In accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention, the cylinder 108 also comprises a circumferential brush 216.The circumferential brush 216 resides within the interior area of thecylinder 108 and allows for mechanical interaction between the hand H ofthe user 204 the circumferential bush 216 within the cleaningenvironment of the cylinder 108 to augment the cleaning process.Alternative to a brush type structure, and for all structures identifiedas a “brush” or “brushes” herein, the mechanical interaction may beapplied by any suitable type of friction enhancing structure, whereinsuch friction enhancing structure includes, but is not limited to, abrush, pad, sponge, non-fluid tactilely perceptible material, andcombinations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, an enlarged view of a cylinder 108 with acircumferential brush 216 is shown. The circumferential brush 216includes a backing 304 and bristles 308. FIG. 3A illustrates a two-partpartial cut-away view of cylinder 108 wherein a portion of the cylinder108 in the vicinity of the circumferential brush 216 is omitted. Moreparticularly, the upper portion 310 (relative to the sheet of paper) ofthe cylinder 108 at the circumferential brush 216 in FIG. 3A illustratesa cut-away of only the cylinder 108 in the vicinity of thecircumferential brush 216, and the lower part 311 (relative to the sheetof paper) of the cylinder 108 at the circumferential brush 216illustrates a cut-away of the cylinder 108 and the backing 304 to showthe bristles 308. The bristles 308 of the circumferential brush 216extend toward the longitudinal and rotational axis A-A of the cylinder108. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an end of the bristles308 is set within or otherwise secured to the backing 304. As best seenin FIG. 4, the backing 304 includes a radial outer surface 404.Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the invention the radial outersurface 404 of the circumferential brush 216 contacts or isinterconnected to an inner surface 504 of the cylinder 108. Thecircumferential brush 216 thus forms a rotating brush within thecylinder 108 for allowing the user to contact a skin surface with thecircumferential brush 216 to provide mechanical friction to the skinsurface during the cleaning process.

The circumferential brush 216 may be detachably attached to the cylinderusing a variety of ways. For example, an adhesive may be used. Morepreferably, a frictional interconnecting mechanism is employed to holdthe circumferential brush 216 within the cylinder. For example, thebacking 304 of the circumferential brush 216 may include suction cupsand/or other textural features for cooperating with the inner surface504 of the cylinder 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 3B-3C, a modification of the cylinder is shownwherein the cylinder includes one or more supplemental structuralfeatures for accommodating circumferential brush 216. As one example,cylinder 108′ of FIG. 3B includes a channel 316 for receiving thecircumferential brush 216. In accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe invention, the channel 316 includes a recessed wall 320, where therecessed wall 320 has a width that is sized to accommodate thecircumferential brush 216. More particularly, and referring now to thedetail drawing of FIG. 3C, the recessed wall 320 receives the backing304 of the circumferential brush 216, thereby positioning the backing304 in a recessed location relative to the adjacent inner surface 504 ofthe cylinder 108′. In accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, the channel 316 may include retention features for assistingwith detachably securing the circumferential brush 216. For example, therecessed wall may include structure for frictionally engaging thecircumferential brush 216. Alternatively, the separation distancebetween the lateral walls 322 are sized for providing a lateral holdingforce against the circumferential brush 216. In yet another alternative,the recessed wall 320 and brush may use magnetic components forassisting the securing the circumferential brush 216 within the channel316.

Referring now to FIG. 3D, a detail drawing of a different way of holdinga circumferential brush 216 is shown. Circumferential brush 216 of FIG.3D includes a blank portion or unbristled area 324 for engaging backingreceiver 328. The backing receiver 328 preferably is configured forfrictionally engaging the unbristled area 324 of the backing 304,thereby holding the circumferential brush 216 in place. Thecircumferential brush 216 is positioned within the backing receiver 328by slipping the blank portion or unbristled area 324 under the backingreceiver 328 along the lateral edges 332 of the circumferential brush216.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, one issue associated with acleaning station is the actual cleanliness of the cleaning stationitself. More particularly, for cleaning stations employing a brush, thesanitation of the brush should be maintained. In accordance withembodiments of the present invention, a variety of ways of maintaining asanitary brush are employed. In accordance with at least one embodimentof the invention the brush or brushes can be removed from the cleaningstation for disinfecting, such as by application of a disinfectant tothe brush after the brush is removed from the cleaning station.Alternatively, the brush can be disinfected within the cleaning stationby applying a disinfectant to the brush. In accordance with at least oneembodiment of the invention the brush is considered disposable and isreplaced after a specified period of time, for example, after each dayof use. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate quick-changefeatures for allowing the brushes to be replaced. Such quick-changefeatures include, but are not limited to, the channel 316 and backingreceivers 328 already described above and shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention the brushitself includes one or more anti-microbial materials for promoting andmaintaining sanitary conditions within the environment of the cylinders,and in particular, within the environment of the brush itself. Theanti-microbial materials may include surface applications ofanti-microbial materials to the brush, as well as anti-microbialmaterials that are impregnated in or formed as part of the brushcomponents, including its bristles. The following U.S. patents areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos.5,238,749; 5,340,581; 5,503,840; 6,235,351; 6,413,921; and 6,902,397.

Cylinders that are too large result in excess use of cleaning fluids andwater, as well as extended flush periods to transition between cleaningstages, such as when transitioning between a cleaning fluid wash stageand a rinse stage using water. Cylinders that are too small do notnecessarily allow for the user's hand to comfortably fit in thecylinder. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention,the cylinder 108 for a hand washing type cleaning station 100 has adiameter D of between about 3 to 10 inches, and more preferably, thecylinder 108 has a diameter D of between about 4 to 7 inches, and morepreferably yet, the cylinder 108 has a diameter D of between about 5 to6 inches, and still more preferably yet, the cylinder 108 has a diameterD of about 5.25 inches. Such dimensions are appropriate for ahandwashing-type cleaning station for adults. However, as those skilledin the art will appreciate, smaller diameter cylinders may beappropriate for a handwashing-type cleaning station for use, forexample, in a children's school. Likewise, larger diameter cylindersmaybe appropriate for cleaning a person's leg.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the circumferential brush 216 may be formed in astrip and subsequently curved to form its circular shape and installedin the cylinder 108, or the circumferential brush 216 may be provided ina circular shape ready for insertion into the cylinder. Utilizing abrush of limited surface area provides an advantage because of a limitedreplacement cost such that regular installation of a new brush iseconomically feasible. As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a circumferentialbrush 216 preferably has a width W of about 0.5 to 6 inches, and morepreferably, has a width W of about 0.75 to 4 inches, and more preferablyyet, has a width W of about 1 to 2 inches. Thus, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention, the surface area of acircumferential brush 216 preferably is between about 4 and 200 in², andmore preferably, the surface area of the circumferential brush 216 isbetween about 10 and 100 in², and more preferably yet, the surface areaof a circumferential brush 216 is between about 15 and 40 in², and stillmore preferably yet, the surface area of a circumferential brush 216 isabout 25 in².

Referring now to FIG. 8, circumferential brush 216 is being insertedinto cylinder 108. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of cylinder108 with circumferential brush 216 located within the cylinder 108. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, thecircumferential brush 216 is preferably located distally of alongitudinal midpoint M of cylinder 108. Accordingly, thecircumferential brush 216 resides within the lower distal half of thecylinder 108. Such brush location allows the nozzles of the cylinder tocooperate with the user's hand and circumferential brush 216 to improveremoval particulates, debris, and/or substances from the user's hand.

Referring now to FIG. 10, and in accordance with at least one embodimentof the invention, circumferential brush 216′ is shown within anon-rotatable cylinder 108. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view ofthe circumferential brush 216′. The circumferential brush 216′ includesat least one orifice 1000, and more preferably, a plurality of orifices1000 that allow cleaning fluids and/or disinfectants, including brushdisinfectants, to be transmitted through the circumferential brush 216′itself. More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, acircumferential brush 216′ is shown having a width W substantially equalto or greater than the diameter D of the cylinder 108, wherein thecircumferential brush 216′ includes orifices 1000 for conveying fluidthrough the circumferential brush 216′ and into the interior space ofthe cylinder 108. In at least one embodiment, the brush surfaces areinstalled throughout the inner surface of the cylinder. In addition,such brush surfaces are installed in front of flow-through disinfectantnozzles that push any debris out of the brushes during usage and at thesame time disinfect the brush material. In accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention, a debris removal cylinder isprovided that comprises a permanent brush lining, wherein the cylinderincludes the orifices 1000 serving as cleaning fluid projection nozzlesand also as flow-through disinfectant nozzles that will constantly cleanthe brush.

FIG. 10 is illustrates a two-part partial cut-away view of cylinder 108wherein a portion of the cylinder 108 in the vicinity of thecircumferential brush 216′ is omitted. More particularly, the upperportion 1010 (relative to the sheet of paper) of the cylinder 108 at thecircumferential brush 216′ in FIG. 10 illustrates a cut-away of only thecylinder 108 in the vicinity of the circumferential brush 216′, and thelower part 1011 (relative to the sheet of paper) of the cylinder 108 atthe circumferential brush 216′ illustrates a cut-away of the cylinder108 and the backing 304 to show the bristles 308.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, and in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention, a series of various end brushes are illustrated foruse with cleaning station 100. The end brushes may be used in a cylinderhaving a circumferential brush 216, 216′ described above. The endbrushes are generally configured to include a distal end forfacilitating interconnection to the interior distal end of the cylinder108, such as by a threaded connection. The threaded connection orstructure adjacent the threaded connection may include a sealing devicesuch as an o-ring for preventing or limiting water and/or cleaningfluids from passing through the interconnection opening.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a conical-shaped brush 1200 is shown.Conical-shaped brush 1200 is configured for placement within the distalend of the cylinder 108. Conical-shaped brush 1200 features bristles1204 that are located on the exterior of the conical body 1208. Theconical-shaped brush 1200 is suited for allowing a user to contact hisor her fingers, fingertips, finger nails, and/or palms with bristles1204.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cylindrical-shaped brush 1300 is shown,wherein the cylindrical-shaped brush 1300 is also configured forplacement within the distal end of the cylinder 108. Thecylindrical-shaped brush 1300 includes a semi-spherical portion 1302 atis first end, and a way (e.g., a threaded post, reverse threaded post,etc.) of interconnecting the brush to the cylinder 108 at its secondend. Cylindrical-shaped brush 1300 also features bristles 1304 that arelocated on the exterior of the cylindrical body 1308. Thecylindrical-shaped brush 1300 is suited for allowing a user to contacthis or her fingers, fingertips, finger nails, and/or palms with bristles1304.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a spherical-shaped brush 1400 is shown,wherein the spherical-shaped brush 1400 is also configured for placementwithin the distal end of the cylinder 108. The spherical-shaped brush1400 includes features similar as those described above for theconical-shaped brush 1200 and the cylindrical-shaped brush 1300. Inaddition, the spherical-shaped brush 1400 includes openings 1410, wherethe openings 1410 may comprise orifices or nozzles for projecting a flowF of cleaning fluid to the hand H of the user 204 during a cleaningcycle, and/or for releasing disinfectant to sanitize the brush itself.Although not shown, the conical-shaped brush 1200 and thecylindrical-shaped brush 1300 may also include openings 1410, where theopenings 1410 may comprise orifices or nozzles for projecting a flow Fof cleaning fluid to the hand H of the user 204 during a cleaning cycle,and/or for releasing disinfectant to sanitize the brush itself. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, FIG.15 is a depiction of a cylinder with a spherical-shaped brush 1400attached to the bottom of the cylinder 1500, wherein the brush 1400includes flow-through disinfectant nozzles or openings 1410 that willconstantly clean the brush. As shown in FIG. 15, the spherical-shapedbrush 1400 may rotate, as shown by rotational arrow R withinnon-rotating cylinder 1500.

FIGS. 15, 16A and 17 depict how various versions of how a debris removalcylinder may be used to clean the fingers and fingertips with thecomponents that may be included in embodiments of the present invention.In use, the user inserts their hand H into the cylinder 108 and thecleaning station 100 automatically initiates a cleaning cycle by readingthe presence of the user's hand H within the cylinder 104, such as by anoptical sensor 224 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 16A, the user mayadvance their hand H in the cylinder to contact a friction enhancingstructure, such as circumferential brush 216. FIG. 16A is a depiction ofa cylinder with a removable brush strip or circumferential brush 216having flow through disinfectant nozzles that will constantly clean thebrush in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, thecircumferential brush 216 may include one or more openings or nozzles1600 for projecting cleaning fluid to the hand H of the user 204 duringa cleaning cycle, and/or for releasing disinfectant to sanitize thebrush itself. The nozzles may project through the backing 304 andinclude structure for engaging the backing 304 to secure thecircumferential brush 216 in place against the inner surface 504 of thecylinder 108. Referring now to FIG. 16B, and in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 1600 may extend interiorof the inner surface 504 of the cylinder 108. In addition, the nozzle1600 may include a flange 1604 for engaging the circumferential brush216. As shown in FIG. 16B, the flange 1604 engages a blank portion orunbristled area 336 of the circumferential brush 216 that is situatedconcentric to the nozzle 1600. Therefore, the nozzle 1600 provides duelfunctionality by serving to project fluids such as water, soap, and/ordisinfectants, while also serving to retain the circumferential brush216 in its proper position.

Referring now to FIG. 17, rotating cylinder 108 is shown withconical-shaped brush 1200. As shown in FIG. 17, the user may advancetheir hand H to contact the conical-shaped brush 1200. Nozzles 1700dispense cleaning fluids to the hand during the cleaning cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a brush nozzle 1800 is shown, wherein thebrush nozzle 1800 includes at least one, and more preferably, aplurality of co-located bristles 1804. More particularly, the brushnozzle 1800 comprises a nozzle outlet 1808 for dispensing one or more ofwater, soap, and disinfectant. In addition, bristles 1804 are connecteddirectly to the nozzle housing 1812. The bristles 1804 are preferablyabout 1 to 3 inches in length, and have a diameter of between about0.0.20 to 0.040 inch. The nozzle housing 1812 is about 0.5 to 1.0 inchin diameter and includes the nozzle outlet 1808 for projecting asubstantially flat fan spray 1806 of fluid. The bristles 1804 arepositioned to intercept the flat fan spray 1806. For the brush nozzle1800, water enters an entry aperture 1816 and exits the nozzle 1800 atnozzle outlet 1808. When used in combination with a rotating cylinder,the fan spray 1806 wets the bristles 1804, and the bristles 1804 and fanspray 1806 rotate and contact the user's skin to remove particulates,substances and/or biological matter. The nozzle 1800 with co-locatedbristles 1804 may be used with one or more of the circumferentialbrushes or end brushes described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a dual flow nozzle 1900 is shown, wherein thedual flow nozzle 1900 is configured for use with a cleaning station 100,and is applicable for use with both rotating and non-rotating cylinders.The dual flow nozzle 1900 includes a nozzle housing 1812 that is about0.5 to 1.0 inch in diameter and includes nozzle outlet 1808 forprojecting a substantially flat fan spray 1806 of fluid. In addition,the dual flow nozzle 1900 includes at least one supplemental aperture1904 for projecting a focused debris removal stream 1908 of flow towardthe hand of the user. The focused debris removal stream 1908 preferablycomprises a stream of fluid having a diameter of between about 0.020 and0.080 inch. For the dual flow nozzle 1900 shown in FIG. 19, the nozzle1900 includes two supplemental apertures 1904 for projecting two focuseddebris removal streams 1908. The dual flow nozzle 1900 may be used withcylinders 108 having one or more of the circumferential brushes and/orend brushes described herein. In use, the flat fan spray 1806 also aidsin controlling fluid splashing out from the cylinder 108 where thesplashing fluid is generated from the focused debris removal stream(s)contacting the user's skin.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a modified cleaning station for the removal ofdebris is shown in the form of cleaning station 2000. Cleaning station2000 includes two cylinders 108 as described above, and also includes athird cylinder in the form of fingertip cleaning cylinder 2004. As shownin FIG. 21, fingertip cleaning cylinder 2004 preferably comprises acylinder with a brush element located at its distal end for cleaning thefingertips of the user. The fingertip cleaning cylinder 2004 preferablyrotates and spins circular end brush 2108. Circular end brush 2108 ispreferably detachably attached using a quick change fitting, such as athreaded coupling or other mechanism, and may include disinfectingnozzles of its own as described above. In accordance with at least oneembodiment, a plurality of nozzles 2112 within the cylinder wall 2110direct fluids toward the fingers and fingertips of the user. Referringnow to FIG. 22, a cleaning station 2200 is shown having a pair offingertip cleaning cylinders 2004. Thus, a cleaning station may includeone or more dedicated debris removal cylinders, and/or it may comprisecylinders with friction enhancing structures such as brushes for removalof particulates, substances and biological matter.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, an RFID tagmay be incorporated into a brush of the present invention for monitoringinstallation of a new brush on a prescribed basis, and ensuring that oldbrushes are not reused. Referring again to FIG. 4, a brush RFID tag 400is shown within the backing 304 of brush 216. It is to be understoodthat utilization of an RFID tag with all brushes and/or frictionenhancing structures described herein is encompassed by the scope of thepresent invention, whether the brush or friction enhancing structure isa circumferential brush 216 or other brush, such as distally located endbrushes described below, or a pad, sponge, or other tactilelyperceptible device, as well as combinations thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 2, and in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention, the cleaning station 100 includesan RFID reader 220. The RFID reader 220 is positioned so as to be ableto read the brush RFID tag 400 when the brush is positioned within thecleaning station 100. The RFID reader 220 may be incorporated into thecleaning station 100 or, alternatively, may be implemented as astand-alone device. For example, the RFID reader 220 may be positionedadjacent to the cylinders 108 associated with the cleaning station 100.The cleaning station 100 may also include an optical sensor 224positioned so as to be able to sense a hand H of the user 204 when theuser's hand is placed within the cylinder 108 in a position where theywill properly receive cleaning fluids, such as water, soap and/ordisinfectant as dispensed by the cleaning station 100. The RFID reader220 is preferably in communication with a cleaning station operationsmonitor 228, which, in turn, is operable to collect data associated withthe cleaning station 100, including the brush RFID tag 400. In at leastone embodiment of the invention, the user 204 may also wear an RFID tag232 to provide identification of the user 204. In particular, data iscollected from the RFID reader 220 indicating the identity of the user204. Additionally, the cleaning station operations monitor 228 recordsthe length of time in which the hands of the user 204 were placed in thecylinder 108 as indicated by the optical sensor 224. In addition and/oralternative to RFID, other methods of brush identification are withinthe scope of the present invention. In particular, the brush may beidentified by typing in a brush unit number in a key pad or other dataentry device, or by scanning a bar code associated with the brush, etc.Referring now to FIG. 23, components of a compliance system fordemonstrating, among other things, brush sanitation and maintenance inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention are illustrated inblock diagram form. Shown in FIG. 23 is a plurality of cleaning stations100 a, 100 b . . . 100 n. The cleaning stations 100 a-100 n may be usedby people employed at a facility that requires employees to wash theirhands. Such facilities may include, for example, restaurants, foodprocessing facilities, hospitals and laboratories. Also shown in FIG. 23is an administration computer 2304 for use by a manager or administratorof the facility. The administration computer 2304 is operable togenerate a compliance report as described herein.

The administration computer 2304 communicates with the cleaning stations100 a-100 n over a plurality of communication links 2308 a, 2308 b . . .2308 n. The communication links may be implemented by any one of avariety of methods and may depend on the type of facility in which thecleaning stations 100 a-100 n are used. In particular, the communicationlinks 2308 a-2308 n may be implemented as part of a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). More particularly, the communicationlinks 2308 a-2308 n may be implemented using such protocols as Ethernetor USB. The communications links 2308 a-2308 n may be implemented aswired or wireless connections. It may be the case that theadministration computer 2304 is located in a separate facility from oneor more of the cleaning stations 100 a-100 n. In this case, adistributed data network such as the Internet may form part of thecommunication links 2308 a-2308 n.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a block diagram of components and features ofthe cleaning station operations monitor 228 is shown. The cleaningstation operations monitor 228 is a computational device. Accordingly,the cleaning station operations monitor 228 includes a processor 2400, amemory 2404 and signaling interfaces 2408 and 2412 operable tocommunicate with external electronic and/or computational components.The first signaling interface 2408 operates to communicate with theadministration computer 2304 over communication link 2308 a, asdescribed above. The second signaling interface 2412 operates tocommunicate with the various electronic components associated with thecleaning station 100 a including the RFID reader 220 and the opticalsensor 224. The second signaling interface 2412 may be a portion of abackplane incorporated into cleaning station 100 a that includes aconnection to the cleaning station's 100 a electronic components.Alternatively, if the cleaning station operations monitor 228 isimplemented as a stand-alone computer, the cleaning station operationsmonitor 228 may communicate with the cleaning station's electroniccomponents through a network or serial bus connection.

The memory 2404 may include a plurality of stored program applicationsor modules that implement various features of a compliance monitoringsystem. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, thememory 2404 may include a compliance monitoring module 2416 to verifythe identity of a user 204 and whether the user maintains their hands inthe cylinders 108 for a complete washing cycle. Additionally, the memory2404 may include data structures 2432 associated with the variousmodules. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, thedata structures 2432 include a cleaning station-use record 2436 and oneor more brush replacement records 2440.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a brushreplacement module 2428 may be provided to monitor whether a new brushis timely placed within the cleaning station 100 a. The brushreplacement module 2428 may provide a warning to a user, such as througha sensory perceptible warning device 236 (e.g, screen, light, speaker,vibrating device, etc.) that the brush needs to be replaced. The brushreplacement module 2428 may be configured to deactivate the cleaningstation 100 a until a new and acceptable brush is replaced, as evidencedby the RFID reader 220 identifying a brush RFID tag 400 of a brush thathas not been previously used. The brush replacement module 2428 may beconfigured to monitor installation of a new brush, and/or removal andreinstallation of an existing brush that has been sanitized.

Alternative and/or in addition to a brush replacement module 2428, thecleaning station operations monitor 228 may include a consumablesauthentication module 2424 to monitor whether proper cleaning fluids anddisinfectants are being used in the cleaning station 100. Suchconsumables may include a brush disinfectant that is used to maintainthe sanitation of the brush should the brush be a non-disposable type ofbrush, or should disposable brushes also include a preferreddisinfectant to maintain their sanitation during the period of theirlimited use. Accordingly, the cleaning station operations monitor 228may be used with RFID reader 220 or with another RFID reader to monitorwhether proper brush disinfectants and other consumable products areauthorized for use within the cleaning station 100, and to furthermonitor the levels of such materials.

An exemplary cleaning station-use record 2436 having data associatedwith a plurality of users 204 is shown in FIG. 25. In accordance withembodiments of the present invention, an entry in the cleaningstation-use record 2436 may include an employee name 2500 indicating whoused the cleaning station 100 a, a time stamp 2504 indicating when thecleaning cycle was initiated, a duration 2508 indicating how long theuser 2504 kept his or her hands in the cylinder 108, the date 2512,whether use was performed with a proper brush in place 2516, and acompliance indicator 2520 specifying whether or not the user 204 kepthis or her hands in the cylinder 108 for the required time with a properbrush in place. As an example, the station-use record shown in FIG. 25indicates that on May 21, 2006 Janet Smith did not meet the hand-washingrequirement because at 8:00.00 A.M. the unit would not operate becausethe brush status was not acceptable. After the brush was replaced,others met the hand-washing requirement. Such a report allows a facilitythe ability to track employee activities when an attempted cleaningstation use fails, and to determine and/or document whether alternativehand hygiene methods were used when the cleaning station was inoperativebecause of the necessity to replace the brush.

In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning station-use record 2436 maycontain only raw data such as the time 2504, date 2512 and duration 2508of the cleaning cycle while determinations related to compliancerequirements are made separately, such as by a separate module runningon the administration computer 2304.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a brush replacement record 2440 is shown.Here, the record includes data associated with whether the brush wastimely replaced for a given date for a given cleaning station. Inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention, an entry in thebrush replacement record 2440 may include a cleaning station designation2600, the date 2604, and a proper brush compliance indicator 2608specifying whether or not a proper brush was in-place on the associateddate. Such records can be customized to include additional data, such asthe time the brush was replaced, the person who replaced the brush, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a block diagram showing components andfeatures of the administration computer 2304 is illustrated.Administration computer 2304 includes a processor 2700, a memory 2704and signaling interfaces 2708 and 2712 operable to communicate withexternal electronic and/or computational components. The first signalinginterface 2708 operates to communicate with the cleaning stations 100a-100 n over communication links 2308 a-2308 n, as described above. Thesecond signaling interface operates to communicate with the variousinput 2716 and output 2720 devices associated with the administrationcomputer 2304. The input device 2716 may be, for example, a keyboard ora mouse. The output device 2720 may be, for example, a monitor or aprinter.

The memory 2704 includes a plurality of stored program applications ormodules that implement various features of a compliance monitoringsystem. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, thememory 2704 may include a data retrieval module 2724 and a custom reportmodule 2728. Additionally, the memory 2704 may include data structures2732 associated with the various modules. In accordance with embodimentsof the present invention, the data structures 2732 may include anemployee record 2736 and/or a compliance report 2740.

The data retrieval module 2724 operates to retrieve data associated withcleaning stations 100 a-100 n. Such data may include data related tocleaning station usage and/or brush maintenance data. The data may becontained in a cleaning station-use record 2436 and/or a brushreplacement record 2340 associated with a cleaning station 100 a-100 n.Additionally, the data retrieval module 2724 may operate to maintain anemployee record.

The custom report module 2728 operates to generate the compliance report2740. The compliance report is generated from data contained in eachstation-use record 2436 associated with cleaning stations 100 a-100 n.An exemplary compliance report is shown in FIG. 28. In accordance withembodiments of the present invention, an entry in the compliance report2740 may include an employee name 2800, time stamp 2804 indicating whena cleaning cycle was initiated, the date 2808 of the cleaning cycle, thestation designation 2812 where the cleaning cycle took place, a brushcompliance indicator 2814 specifying whether or not the status of thebrush was acceptable, and a compliance indicator 2816 specifying whetheror not the user 204 met the compliance requirement. As an example, thecompliance report shown in FIG. 28 indicates that on May 21, 2006 JanetSmith did not meet the hand-washing requirement attempted at 8:00.00 A.Mat cleaning station A. As noted, compliance reports may include datapertaining to user statistics. Alternatively, or in addition to reportscomprising user statistics, reports may be generated that are directedto the consumables, such as soap and disinfectants.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 29 shows ablock diagram illustrating the steps of a method of monitoring acompliance requirement including a check for the brush status.Initially, at step 2900 a user 204 approaches a cleaning station 100 aand presents a badge having a RFID tag 232 to an RFID reader 220. Atstep 2904 the RFID tag 232 is read and the user 204 is identified. Atstep 2908 the user's 204 name, the date, the time, and the designationof the cleaning station 100 a are recorded. At step 2912 the user 204places her or his hands in position to be washed. At step 2916 a systemcheck is performed, including checking if the brush status is okay, suchas by cross-checking the date and/or time the brush RFID tag 400 wasinitially read against the allowed time for a particular brush to beauthorized for use within the cleaning station. If the brush status isokay, at step 2920 the wash cycle is initiated and completed and data isrecorded including the duration of time the user 204 allowed his or herhands to be washed. At step 2924 the transaction is completed andrecorded. If the systems check at step 2916 fails, then the wash cycleis cancelled at step 2918. Here, the user is preferably advised by thecleaning station 100, such as via a message or warning through warningdevice 236, that the cleaning station is not operative, and advised towash their hands elsewhere. Step 2920 is then skipped, and at step 2924the transaction is completed and recorded. At step 2928 data iscollected from the cleaning stations 100 a-100 n over the communicationlinks 2308 a-2308 n. Finally, at step 2932 the collected data is used togenerate a compliance report 2740. Additional steps associated with themethod may include: monitoring proper maintenance of brush component,and/or monitoring the application of a sanitizer or disinfectant tomaintain the sanitation of a brush component.

The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,823,447, 5,265,628, 4,817,651, 4,925,495.

The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components,methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depictedand described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations,and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how tomake and use the present invention after understanding the presentdisclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includesproviding devices and processes in the absence of items not depictedand/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including inthe absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices orprocesses, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\orreducing cost of implementation.

It is to be noted that the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or moreof that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be notedthat the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be usedinterchangeably.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments and certain variations andmodifications, other variations and modifications are within the scopeof the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge ofthose in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

1. An appendage cleaning system for removing at least one of aparticulate, chemical, and biological substance from an appendage of auser, comprising: a cleaning station comprising an automatic washingmechanism for cleaning at least one appendage of a user; a frictionenhancing structure operatively interconnected to the cleaning station;and a timing device associated with the cleaning station, wherein thetiming device is settable and resettable to track at least one of: (a) aduration that the friction enhancing device is located within thecleaning station; and (b) a duration between a disinfecting of thefriction enhancing device.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thefriction enhancing structure is selected from the group consisting of abrush, pad, sponge, and non-fluid tactilely perceptible material.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the automatic washing mechanism includes arecessed portion comprising an inner wall, and wherein the frictionenhancing structure is located radially interior of the inner wall. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein the friction enhancing structure isdetachably connected to the inner wall.
 5. An appendage cleaning systemfor removing at least one of a particulate, chemical, and biologicalsubstance from an appendage of a user, comprising: a cleaning stationhaving a body, the body including at least one recessed portion forreceiving an appendage of the user, the recessed portion comprising anautomatic washing mechanism for cleaning the appendage of the user; adetachably attachable friction enhancing structure operativelyinterconnected to at least one of (a) an interior wall of the recessedportion, and (b) a distal end of the recessed portion; wherein thefriction enhancing structure includes a nozzle for projecting a fluidthrough the friction enhancing structure; and wherein the user candirect at least a portion of the appendage to contact the frictionenhancing structure to augment removal of the at least one particulate,chemical, and biological substance.
 6. A method of cleaning an appendageof a user using a cleaning system, the cleaning system for removing atleast one of a particulate, chemical, and biological substance from theappendage of the user, comprising: providing a cleaning station having abody, the body including at least one recessed portion for receiving theappendage of the user, the recessed portion comprising an automaticwashing mechanism for cleaning the appendage of the user; causing adetachably attachable friction enhancing structure to move, the frictionenhancing structure operatively interconnected to at least one of: (a)an interior wall of the recessed portion, and (b) a distal end of therecessed portion; and performing at least one of: (a) projecting a fluidthrough the friction enhancing structure from a location within thefriction enhancing structure; and (b) using at least one sensor tomonitor an identification of at least one of the user and the frictionenhancing structure.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising monitoring a period of time associated with the frictionenhancing structure.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising monitoring a period of time the user has positioned theappendage within the recessed portion of the cleaning station.
 9. Themethod as claimed in claim 6, further comprising monitoring a presenceof the user at the cleaning station.
 10. A cleaning system, comprising:a sensor operable to sense placement of an appendage of a user inspatial proximity to a friction enhancing structure of a cleaningsystem, the friction enhancing structure comprising an electronicidentifying device, wherein the electronic identifying device provides adesignation data of the friction enhancing structure, and wherein theelectronic identifying device is in communication with an automatedreader, wherein the automated reader is configured to perform at leastone of interrogating, scanning, and receiving a signal from theelectronic identifying device for obtaining the designation data; aprocessor operable to record, by the cleaning system, a length of timethat the appendage was positioned in spatial proximity to the frictionenhancing structure and to determine, by the cleaning system, that thefriction enhancing structure requires replacement and/or disinfecting inresponse to passage of a selected time duration of use.
 11. The cleaningsystem of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises an optical signal,wherein the optical signal is broken when the user positions theappendage within a washing mechanism of the cleaning system, and whereinthe optical signal is restored when the user removes the appendage fromthe washing mechanism of the cleaning system.
 12. The cleaning system ofclaim 11, wherein the length of time that the appendage was positionedin spatial proximity to the friction enhancing structure is calculatedby the length of time that the optical signal was broken.
 13. Thecleaning system of claim 10, wherein the selected duration of use is afunction of the length of time that the user's appendage was positionedin spatial proximity to the friction enhancing structure.
 14. Thecleaning system of claim 10, wherein, when the processor determines thatthe friction enhancing structure requires replacement and/ordisinfecting, the cleaning system deactivates until the frictionenhancing structure has been replaced and/or disinfected.
 15. A methodof cleaning, comprising: (a) sensing, by a sensor, placement of anappendage of a user in spatial proximity to a friction enhancingstructure of a cleaning system, the friction enhancing structurecomprising an electronic identifying device, wherein the electronicidentifying device provides a designation data of the friction enhancingstructure, and wherein the electronic identifying device is incommunication with an automated reader, wherein the automated reader isconfigured to perform at least one of interrogating, scanning, andreceiving a signal from the electronic identifying device for obtainingthe designation data; (b) recording, by the cleaning system, a length oftime that the appendage was positioned in spatial proximity to thefriction enhancing structure; and (c) determining, by the cleaningsystem, that the friction enhancing structure requires replacementand/or disinfecting in response to passage of a selected time durationof use.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the selected duration of useis a function of the length of time that the user's appendage waspositioned in spatial proximity to the friction enhancing structure. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises an optical signal,wherein the optical signal is broken when the user positions theappendage within a washing mechanism of the cleaning system, and whereinthe optical signal is restored when the user removes the appendage fromthe washing mechanism of the cleaning system.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the length of time that the appendage was positioned inspatial proximity to the friction enhancing structure is calculated bythe length of time that the optical signal was broken.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the selected duration of use is a function of thelength of time that the user's appendage was positioned in spatialproximity to the friction enhancing structure.
 20. The method of claim15, wherein, when the cleaning system determines that the frictionenhancing structure requires replacement and/or disinfecting, thecleaning system deactivates until the friction enhancing structure hasbeen replaced and/or disinfected.